talkmagic.co.uk

Hi All,

I'm now officially addicted to buying magic books and need some advise on what book to buy next. I have a list below but just can't decide which one to get! It's driving me mad and at this rate I'll buy none of them..

If you've read my Secrets of Alkazar book review you'll probably gather that I loved it and I'm looking for something else that I can pick up and get my teeth into and maybe be able to start practicing some other tricks for variety..

I Have Bobo's Modern Coin Magic and and very very slowly working my way through it and also have RRTCM which is just a little to hard for me at the moment. What I like about Alakazar is the simple card and coin tricks that suit a beginner (self working?) and need would like something along those lines..I think self working is the way to go at the moment but I'm not to sure?

I've been after Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic for a while but as the months have moved on I keep finding out about loads of other great books and I'm at a loss of which to go for.

Anyway here's the list:

Magic and Showmanship: A Handbook for Conjurers
by Henning Nelms

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic
by Mark Wilson

Self-working Close-up Card Magic: 53 Foolproof Tricks
by Karl Fulves

Scarne on Card Tricks
by John Scarne

Self-working Table Magic: 97 Foolproof Tricks with Everyday Objects
by Karl Fulves

Self-working Coin Magic: 92 Foolproof Tricks (Cards, Coins, and Other Magic)
by Karl Fulves

Tricks to Freak Out Your Friends
by Pete Firman

Street Magic
by Paul Zenon

Scarne's Magic Tricks (Cards, Coins, and Other Magic)
by John Scarne

I may have answered my own question above with Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic but I'd still much appreciate everyone's opinion and expertise as well!

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Mark Wilson's Complete Course, without a doubt mate

Depends how much magic you know... for theory Nelms is an excellent read and it can only benefit your magic.

Both Tricks to Freak Out Your Friends by Pete Firman and Street Magic by Paul Zenon are worth adding to your library but get Mark Wilson first - there are tons of tricks and ideas in there. If you see Nick Einhorn's earlier book Art of Magic and Sleight of Hand aka Encyclopaedia of Magic anywhere, it's also worth getting - shedloads of useful stuff for your money. Cruise the Review sections for more details .

Scarne on Card Tricks is only £6.50 for 150 entirely workable, and in some cases very strong, tricks.

And having got those books, take time to read and re-read them as there's always things in which you don't spot or take note of at first .

Good advice Mandrake.

Could I also add- Do not buy to much to soon. I made this mistake in buying lots of material to build a library. But all I ended up doing was jumping from book to DVD to trick to book etc.

I've made a rule with myself now to only buy something new after I've gave my last purchase a good going over. Although this rule is challenged sometimes with the reviews section.

Wills wrote:Could I also add- Do not buy to much to soon. I made this mistake in buying lots of material to build a library. But all I ended up doing was jumping from book to DVD to trick to book etc.

This is excellent advice and is something that I too am guilty of. It is very difficult to remain structured and disciplined and is made worse by sites like this with an excellent review section that makes us want to spend more money!

Fortunately, and unlike most gimmicks, books really are excellent value for money, can be read and studied pretty much anywhere and should last you a lifetime. Also you tend to get different things from them at different times as you grow and what you read now might not make a whole lot of sense, but in 6 months or maybe years time might help you or give you more food for thought.

Regarding which book, it depends on which direction of magic you wish to go towards. Mark Wilson gives the broadest range and would probably be a good step to take if you are undecided. Of course you could just study what you already have.........nah, buy more!!!

Best

Martin

Great advice people! I certainly agree with trying not to jump from book to book but I feel I need one more just to get a flavour of things to come.

I've got a little note book and have basically used it to jot down some of the sound advise from Alkazar and what Michael Jay has posted in the Bobo's thread (thanks again) but its all got a little messy...I may re-write some in a logical order in the near future.

I'm going to try to track down Mark Wilsons Complete Course due to the fact so many people recommend it!!

I usually use Play or Amazon but both have none in Stock I assume it's really popular then!

Amazon has a few in the new and used section and if I can't track it else where I'll use that service!

Cheers!

If it's any consolation, I'm still buying books as and when they become available even though I have a backlog of other books to work through. My excuse is that if I spot a bargain I buy it now for reading later as the price may go up or the book go out of print. As per the Derren Brown Pure Effect saga.....

Ah yes there's always that bargain or that 'just one more then thats me set' item to be bought

Wills wrote:'just one more then thats me set'

Blimey - you're a mind reader

Looks like I'll have to get it from the 3rd party sellers on Amazon..

The Book Depository has it for £9.02 plus £2 or whatever for postage. I assume this is the cheapest I'll find it?

I've checked a few online magic shops and they didn't have it either!! It must be popular!

I Just treated myself to Mark Wilson's Complete Course! I KNOW this was the right choice!

I couldn't resist any longer! I'm really looking forward to this book, I can see it becomming my Bible along with Alkazar.

There appears to be a massive section on cards so hopefully I'll pick up some cool card tricks and techniques enabling me to grasp RRTCM a little easier...

Being a huge snooker fan I'm also intrigued by the Billard Ball Magic. Hell the whole book sounds brilliant!

My girlfriend has just called me (she has a day off today) and Mark Wilsons Complete Course in Magic has arrived!!

I can't tell you how excited I am! But I'm frustratingly stuck in work till 5:30 and won't get home till 6:15!

I'm going to have a very interesting weekend!

Can't wait!